Cumann na mBan

Variant names

Dates:

Establishment 1914

Language: Irish, English

History notes:

Cumann na mBan was founded in Dublin in April 1914 as a women's auxiliary to the Irish Volunteers. Branches, which pledged to the Constitution of the organization, were formed throughout the country and were directed by the Provisional Committee. Among its responsibilities, the organization worked toward arming the men of the Irish Volunteers and creating propaganda to support the cause of Irish independence. During the 1916 Easter Rising, many members played a role in the rebellion, though those roles were mostly non-combatant and included performing first aid, gathering intelligence, and transporting arms. Over seventy women from Cumann na mBan were arrested for their participation in the Easter Rising.

After the Rising, the organization was led by Countess Constance Markievicz. Members continued to support the cause for independence by organizing prisoner relief agencies, playing an active role in the Irish War of Independence as keepers of safe houses, dispatch riders, and first aid workers. The organization also produced a militant nationalist newspaper, the Irish Bulletin. Cumann na mBan was the first nationalist organization to publicly reject the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. The government of the Irish Free State banned the organization in January 1923.

Its membership strength was adversely affected by the many splits in Irish republicanism, with sections of the membership resigning to join Fianna Fáil, Clann na Poblachta and other parties. During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Cumann na mBan was integrated into the mainstream Irish Republican Army. In 1986, Cumann na mBan aligned itself with Republican Sinn Féin and the Continuity IRA.